North Wales & Conwy Castle

Spend a pleasant day in North Wales and wander through a magnificent medieval castle and two enchanting villages that beckon to be explored. It is here in this idyllic region that quiet beauty lies within heather-clad hills and hidden river valleys. This is truly an area unspoiled by the ravages of time and abounding with legend and a rich cultural heritage. As you pass through the picture-perfect villages, you will notice that the road signs are written in English and Welsh.

After approximately 90-minutes, you will arrive at Conwy Castle, one of the finest medieval fortifications in the United Kingdom. Its two fortified gateways and eight stone towers sit on a rocky outcrop, making the castle look almost impenetrable. Although ruined now, remains dramatically striking as it stands by the River overlooking a somewhat peculiarly designed pair of bridges that bring the road and railway into the town. Built by Edward I in the 1280s, the castle is so extraordinary that it has been deemed a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

From the castle runs the original medieval town wall which is 1400 yards long and has an average height of 30 feet. This was built at the same time as the castle and is the best example in Britain of the defense works introduced by Edward I. Conwy's old wall is virtually intact all around the town, fortified with 21 towers and 3 gateways. As a result, Conwy town center has never been over-run by modern development (all of which has happened outside the walls) and therefore, retains a wonderful ambiance.

The castle tour makes a fine introduction to your exploration of the village of Conwy. During free time, you may stroll through the atmospheric old town, walk the serene waterfront, or visit the red-painted Quay House, the smallest residence in Wales.

More scenic beauty awaits you on the way to Betws-y-Coed, where you will dine in a local venue before enjoying free time in the village. The main thoroughfare, Holyhead Road, is full of shops and galleries well worth a visit. Although not high above sea level, Betws-y-Coed seems alpine because mountains surround it.